All that shopping in Harajuku and Omotesandō can work up an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of iconic sweets and candy to be had (and eaten).
Takeshita Street has more than just crepes on the menu, and you’ll soon notice that the kawaii (cute) vibes of the area also extend to the local street food.
Rainbow cotton candy
The most well-known of Harajuku’s street food, this cotton candy delight on a stick is not hard to miss. That could be due to its enormous size and bright rainbow colors or because of the amusing show people make trying to eat it. You can choose from the largest, which has five colors and costs a steep ¥1,000, and the medium-size, which has three colors and costs ¥700. You can also opt for a take-out cup starting from ¥550. The store often has collaborations and seasonal surprises, so you’ll never know what to expect. Currently, they have a collaboration with Long! Longer!! Longest!!! for a pretty, well, long cotton candy treat.
Totti Candy Factory
Gourmet popcorn
Combine high-quality food with limited-edition flavors, chuck in a bit of kitsch American style, and you’re onto a winner in Japan. Garrett Popcorn has a number of popcorn flavors to choose from. The regular ones include Caramel Crisp (our personal favorite), Cheese Corn, Mild Salt, and Almond Caramel Crisp. If you fancy it, you can try the Chicago Mix which is half caramel and half cheese. Or try any of the seasonal flavors which are introduced throughout the year. Flavors start at ¥340 for a small bag and go up to between ¥660–¥1,700 for a large bag.
Garrett Popcorn Harajuku
World-famous crepes
Of course, you can’t go to Harajuku without trying the crepes, be they stuffed with cream, brownies, cheesecake or pie! With plenty of options along the street, you can take your pick; Santa Monica Crepes and Marion Crêpes are the usual favorites, but we have a soft spot for Sweet Box.
You can use your inevitable queue time to take your pick from the myriad of wax-plastic recreations on display. There are some savory creations too, but where’s the fun in that? The crepe of your choice will be made fresh in front of you and cost around ¥600.
Sweet Box
Korean corn dogs
Forget what you think you know about corn dogs. The Korean version of the American classic is filled with a variety of choices (not just sausage), but the recipes that get the most attention are brimming with mozzarella cheese and covered in sugar. It is one of the best sweet and savory mixes that you’ll find in Harajuku. There are several chains along Takeshita Street, including Gamaro GangJung, known for their rainbow cheese dogs, and Arirang Hotdog for more classic options.
Gamaro GangJung
Puffy pancakes
You might say crepes and pancakes aren’t different at all, but we beg to differ. The crepes of Harajuku are meant to be folded up and eaten on the street, but the fluffiest, softest, and bounciest pancakes deserve a proper sit-down experience. There are an incredible number of places to eat pancakes in Harajuku and the surrounding area, such as Bills, Eggs ‘n Things, and other breakfast spots. But our top recommendation is Rainbow Pancakes, and while they disappointingly don’t have any actual multi-colored dishes on the menu, you’ll know you’ve struck gold from their mouth-watering combinations — try the chocolate and orange. Down the road in Omotesandō, you’ll also find A Happy Pancake, which serves high-quality pancakes in a spacious shop.
Rainbow Pancake
Can’t get enough of Harajuku? Read our guide on more things to do in the area.
